In our RT Snap Q&A series, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing some of the world’s best runners, delving into their extraordinary journeys, celebrating their achievements, and exploring the unwavering dedication that defines their careers.
Genevieve Gregson
- Born: August 4, 1989
- Nationality: Australian
- middle-distance and marathon runner
One of Australia’s most accomplished middle-distance and marathon runners. Specializing in the 3000m steeplechase, she holds the Australian record of 9:14.28 and has competed in four Olympic Games: London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and Paris 2024. Gregson first made her mark as a teenager, winning the Australian U18 3000m title in 2006 before earning an athletics scholarship to the University of Florida. Her Olympic debut came in London, and she reached her peak in 2016, setting multiple personal bests and reaching the finals in both the 3000m steeplechase and 5000m at the Rio Olympics.
Gregson’s career has been defined by both her achievements and her resilience in overcoming injuries. In 2016, she broke the national steeplechase record and set 14 personal bests, placing ninth in the steeplechase at the Rio Olympics. However, injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon during the Tokyo 2020 steeplechase final, posed significant challenges. Despite these setbacks, she consistently rebounded, finishing fifth at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and 12th at the 2017 World Championships.
In recent years, Gregson transitioned to marathon running, debuting in 2023 with a time of 2:28:33 at the Gold Coast Marathon. She followed this with a personal best of 2:23:08 in Valencia, becoming the third-fastest Australian woman in history. At the Paris 2024 Olympics, she placed 24th in the marathon, showcasing her adaptability and enduring talent across long-distance events. Married to fellow Australian runner Ryan Gregson, she remains a prominent figure in Australian athletics.
Personals Bests
- 3000m Steeple: 9:14:28
- 3,000m: 8:45.81
- 5000m: 15:06.67
- 10,000m: 31:56.00
- Half Marathon: 1:10:07
- Marathon: 2:23:08
RT: Looking back on your middle-distance career, what was the most defining moment that led you to where you are today?
Genevieve: Probably making the decision to go to college in America and commit to being a full-time student-athlete. When I was able to be in an environment that focused so much on developing my running, I became a stronger and more confident runner, which became pivotal in my career.
RT: The Achilles injury at the Tokyo Olympics was a major challenge. How did you navigate the physical and emotional recovery from such a significant setback?
Genevieve: I think the fact that I was able to fall pregnant soon after Tokyo gave me something to focus on. Normally, being injured can be emotionally and physically draining, but to know I was growing my baby boy while rehabbing gave me so much joy in the whole process and allowed me to accept the injury and move forward. I remember feeling so motivated every day, which kept me positive about my return to running.
RT: Becoming a mother has been a significant milestone in your life. How has motherhood influenced your perspective on running and your approach to training and competition?
Genevieve: Motherhood has taken the pressure off performances. I will always be intrinsically driven and want to get the most out of myself with running; however, since becoming a mom, I feel I have a healthier perspective on training and racing. I am easier on myself when life is hectic, and I always see myself as a mom before an athlete, but I also make sure that training time isn’t wasted. If I’m going to be away from my son, I’m going to make each session count and train with intent.
RT: What has been the biggest challenge in balancing motherhood with your elite athletic career?
Genevieve: Some days, it has been hard knowing the training I am meant to get done, but feeling exhausted from just life as a mom. There is so much more squeezed into our daily schedule as parents, and to still need to feel energized for training can sometimes be overwhelming. Scheduling and structuring our week is so important now since both my husband Ryan and I are professional athletes and need hours a day dedicated to training. I am SO lucky to have my mom nearby because, without her, I’m not sure how we could do what we do with our son.
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RT: You’ve now competed in four Olympic Games. How did your experience in Paris 2024 compare to your previous appearances in London, Rio, and Tokyo?
Genevieve: Paris was nothing short of spectacular. Of course, I wish my performance was better, as I did struggle in the last 8km of the marathon, but the lead-up, the Olympic Village, the race, the host city – everything was just amazing. It would be my favourite Olympics yet, but that could also be because I felt so whole having my baby and husband there with me for the entire experience. Making Paris felt like a pipe dream for a few years after Tokyo, so to have made it to that start line will forever be one of my greatest achievements.
RT: What advice would you offer to younger athletes, especially those dealing with setbacks or injuries?
Genevieve: Persistence is the best trait you can hold. There will always be adversity waiting for you at some point, but hanging in there and always having faith that you can get back is what strengthens character. I am so proud of the athlete I became due to so many challenges along the way and I’m glad I had to face them. Never give up.
RT: Can you describe how your training regimen has evolved, and what a typical marathon training week looks like for you? Can you walk us through a typical training week?
Genevieve: I have changed a few things since transitioning to roads but nothing major. A bit more running, longer sessions but less intensity:
Monday: am 60mins, pm 30mins
Tuesday: am track session, pm 30mins
Wednesday: 90mins
Thursday: 60mins
Friday: threshold or marathon session
Saturday: am 60mins, pm 30mins
Sunday: Long run
